After performing to a large crowd last April during the Azalea Festival, The Lacs return to perform their mix of southern rock and country rap. The Georgia duo has recorded albums for Colt Ford’s label which boast songs that can be hard edged, layered with strong country melodies or just fun.

Inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, Wilson is a founding member of the pioneering all female singing group The Supremes which created songs that helped define the Motown sound with songs like “Baby Love” and “Stop in the Name of Love.” The Mississippi born singer carried on a successful solo career after The Supremes disbanded n the mid seventies.

Raleigh band whose mix of punk and blues rock makes for manic, fast fun. But just as potent is the band’s penchant for slower, smokier tunes led by howling and vintage sounding vocals of lead singer Brenna (check out “Do the Right Thing”). Guttural and soulful, the singing is anything but a cagey match for the band’s blistering guitar playing. For fans of The Malamondos, The Dirty Little Heaters and Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde).

This Charleston, S.C. band thankfully continues to return to Wilmington. A huge attribute of the trio is that their live show is far removed from the band’s studio recordings. Rich in pop melodies and fraught guitar playing and soulful singing, songs are done with a crooning, catchy delivery. Live the material can diverge from a reserved yet fiery stance on record to raucous, un-caged energy. The band recently posted demos for new songs, finding them crafting sharper, catchier songs with moody overtones.

Myrtle Beach musician Charles Grace has a Jekyll and Hyde persona. He performs under the moniker Sleeping Policeman and makes swagger-filled electric music that’s a mix of fuzzed out bluesy guitar riffs and groaning, sometimes under cranked vocals. With down and dirty guitar playing and overall raw sound, Grace’s brainchild is a must for fans of Dan Auerbach, Davis Coen and Patrick Sweaney. Tuning down and going all acoustic Grace’s music maintains a strong melodic feel with a stark ambiance.

Sweet harmonies and fiery, nuanced playing from this Chicago band cements them as solid bluegrass players. They take the traditional style of playing and infuse it with aesthetics of Americana storytelling (and varied vocals) while showing respect to pioneers in bluegrass like Bill Monroe.

Reggae singer Edge Michael is the nephew of reggae legend Peter Tosh and the former lead singer of Jah Children. Making music since the ‘90s, Michael’s reggae music ranges from a more traditional angle to mainstream sounds. Between them, his songs offer an easygoing, smooth vocal style.

Niece of Steve Earle, Emily Earle will be performing with guitarist and singer-songwriter Tom Whall. A one time a contestant on “The Voice” and playing to passersby in New York City subways, Earle settled in Nashville and cut her teeth co-writing songs, even a few for her uncle. Far from teen pop material, Earle crafted catchy and sometimes stark material on this summer’s “New from Colorado.”

About This Blog

The WAE: Wilmington-area Arts & Entertainment is dedicated to experiencing, discussing and promoting the arts in Southeastern N.C. From theater and all manner of music to visual art, dance, festivals and more, The WAE is populated by people who are immersed in local A&E. If it’s about A&E in Southeastern N.C., then we’re all about it.